The Pasco County Board of County Commissioners (BCC) voted 4-1 to approve Clearwater-based Sports Facilities Companies (SFC) as the new management company to operate the Wiregrass Ranch Sports Campus (WRSC), which has been managed by Pasco’s Parks & Recreation Dept. since the county agreed to buy out the contract of WRSC’s previous operator (RADDSports) in June of 2023.
Under the newly approved agreement with SFC, which manages 90 sports facilities throughout the U.S., the county will pay SFC $750,000 โ an initial financial commitment of $500,000, which Florida’s Sports Coast’s deputy director of tourism Consuelo Sanchez called “bridge funding to offset potential revenue shortfalls,” plus a “Management fee” of $18,000 per month “paid of the Operating Account (account managed by SFC, which serves as the central fund to collect facility revenue and disburse expenses) and “Up to $250,000 for Facility Floor Resurfacing Reimbursement,” since the Sports Campus’ “gym floors have never been resurfaced since the facility opening in 2020. This necessary upgrade must be completed regardless of facility management to ensure athlete safety, event eligibility and competitive standards.”
District 5 Pasco Commissioner Jack Mariano raised the question of whether or not SFC was planning to provide additional parking for the Sports Campus, which already has a huge lack of proper available parking, even though nothing in the agreement the commissioners approved mentions parking. Sanchez, however, said that SFC does plan to conduct a parking feasibility study “which they have six months to complete.” SFC founding partner Eric Sullivan, who also appeared at the meeting, confirmed that SFC is planning to conduct the study and noted, “That we know additional parking is needed at the facility.” Pasco Parks & Rec Dept. director Keith Wiley said that it appears that the only available space for more parking at the facility is located north of the 98,000-sq.-ft. indoor gym, which already is north of the five outdoor fields.
The resolution passed 4-1, with Mariano’s the only “Nay” vote because of the parking concerns.
Wiregrass Ranch developer JD Porter, who attended the meeting, but was not asked to speak, told the Neighborhood News after the meeting, “We are very pleased with the approval by the Board of the outside operator. From our conversations and research, they [SFC] seem more than capable of running the facility as the donation agreement outlines as an upper echelon sports tourism facility. We look forward to [SFC] raising the bar of the tournaments and tax dollars brought into Pasco County.”
More details of the new management agreement will be provided in the July 8 edition of Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News.
In a surprising twist, long-time Wesley Chapel resident, family man and entertainer Layne Harper has stepped into the spotlight by portraying Sean โDiddyโ Combs on Huluโs gripping hit new docuseries, โDiddy on Trial: As It Happened.โ
Layneโs involvement in the show has garnered national attention, especially considering the sensitive and sensational nature of the content. As the trial of music mogul Sean โDiddyโ Combs continues to unfold in real life, with testimony from various witnesses, including rapper Kid Cudi, Diddyโs former longtime girlfriend Cassandra Ventura and โJane,โ an alleged sex trafficking victim, the series provides an alternative medium for audiences to engage with the case through reenactments and on-screen analysis.
Produced by ABC News Studios, โDiddy on Trialโ debuted on May 25 as the third most-watched show on Hulu (as of May 28), behind โA Handmaidโs Taleโ and โThe Secret Lives of Mormon Wives,โ according to FlixPatrol, a site that provides Video on Demand (VOD) charts and streaming statistics worldwide, and has continued to garner high ratings through its first four episodes as we went to press with this issue.
Huluโs website states that the docuseries, โtakes you inside the criminal trial of Sean โDiddyโ Combs, one of the most salacious and hotly anticipated courtroom showdowns in decades. Watch bombshell moments and heart-wrenching testimony unfold in real time through meticulous actor reenactments sourced each week from courtroom transcripts.
โProsecutors allege the music icon and business mogul engaged in a dark underworld of sex trafficking and prostitution. Combs denies all accusations, maintaining his innocence. Join host Sunny Hostin [Senior Legal Correspondent for ABC News] as she breaks it all down with a rotating roster of legal and pop culture experts, giving you a front-row seat to this high-stakes legal battle.โ
Since cameras are not allowed in the federal courtroom, the actor reenactments allow viewers to more accurately, and emotionally, connect with whatโs actually happening in a more natural way than just reading about it in news articles. The series is a โmust watchโ for those who like courtroom dramas, as well as, of course, pop culture fans.
As of this writing, here are the four episodes of โDiddy on Trialโ have been released:
#1: โThe Freak-Offโ
#2: โThe Assault.โ
#3 โSecret Life of Sean โDiddyโ Combsโ
#4: The Bribe & The Balconyโ
New episodes are being released every Sunday as the trial continues.
The Man Playing The Monster
Testimony in the trial so far has painted Diddy as a violent and controlling man that people feared. So, how does someone like Layne Harper โ whoโs known locally to be a genuinely nice guy โ get to portray one of the most mocked and allegedly vile men in America?
Layne says he is actually โreally excitedโ about this opportunity and that one of his agents in New York City helped him land the lead role. โIโve never been told that I resemble Diddy,โ Layne says. โMy agent in New York submitted me for the role because he had a strong feeling I could execute on the role as Sean โDiddyโ Combs.โ
He adds, โIโm not concerned at all because Iโm playing the role of โDiddy.โ Iโm my own person. Iโm a husband and father of three and I choose to protect my peace and strongly believe in not entertaining negativity. One thing that cannot be erased from the entertainment industry is that Sean Combs will always be a music mogul.โ
He admits, however, that stepping into this unique role has been a wild ride for him.
โEverything is happening so fast,โ Layne says. โIโm flying back to New York again tomorrow night, and will be back and forth in Tampa for the next 4-6 weeks โ maybe longer, depending on the trial, [since] Iโm doing the entire season.โ
Assuming that Diddy is going to take the witness stand at some point, Layne says of that possibility, โI just pray. I donโt overthink it. Thatโs how I booked the role. Iโm on the edge of my seat because no one knows if he will take the stand.โ
Layne Harper, Jr., 43, was born in Memphis, TN. Raised in a military family, he spent seven years in Darmstadt and Mannheim, Germany. After graduating from Millington (TN) Central High School in 2000, Layne moved to Brooklyn, NY, to pursue a music career.
He later relocated to Nashville, TN, where Layne met his wife Jennifer. The couple moved to the Tampa Bay area in 2009, and has been living in Wesley Chapel since 2010 with their three children (l.-r. in top left photo on the next page) โ Jaydon, Enyal and Xavier, the latter of whom is currently serving in the U.S. Navy.
Playing Diddy is actually somewhatย ironic for Layne, as he is also an experienced and talented rapper/musician with an amazing voice. His songs โA Thing Called Love,โ โHell Ride to Heavenโ and โMedicine Cabinetโ are his most popular originals with his message landing somewhere between faith and hope. โHell Ride to Heavenโ definitely has that New York sound. The music videos for Layneโs music can be streamed on Youtube under โLayne Harperโ and his album โHouse of Bluesโ also can be streamed on Spotify.ย
Layne also has ventured into fashion โ he has launched his inspirational and faith-based urban clothing brand called Vctry (which Layne is wearing in the photo below right). The designs seem to resonate with customers who appreciate Vctryโs blend of style and functionality, offering pieces that are both fashion-forward and comfortable.ย
As an actor, Layne has had a few roles in small, independent films, and heโs also done a few commercials, but most recently he scored a role as a reporter/member of the press in a major film โ the upcoming and hotly anticipated Apple Original racing film called โF1,โ starring Brad Pitt, Damson Idris and Javier Bardem. The movie is about Formula 1 racing and is scheduled to be released in theaters on Friday, June 27.
As for portraying the most ridiculed man in the world (at least currently), Layne says, โI actually turned the role down twice and prayed that someone else would be blessed with the opportunity rather than me. However, God had other plans for me. Yes, I feel Iโm out of character, but thereโs a difference between natural actors and method actors and for this role, I bounce between the two.โ
More Than Just A Role
As Layne takes on the role of Diddy in โDiddy on Trial,โ he isnโt just stepping into a role โ heโs stepping into a cultural moment, one with lots and lots of baby oil.
The show doesnโt shy away from controversy and neither does he. His performance captures the complexity of a man under intense public scrutiny, while also reflecting the broader questions regarding celebrity culture, justice and the role of the media.
As the world watches the trial, Layneโs performance reminds us that storytelling โ no matter the medium โ has the power to challenge, provoke and, ultimately, inform. Whether or not this role also will make this Wesley Chapel family man a star in his own right remains to be seen.
From Wesley Chapel to the world stage, Layne Harper is hoping to prove heโs more than ready for the spotlight. As his diverse background and creative endeavors continue to shape his multifaceted career, faith. hope and family continue to shape the man himself.
New episodes of โDiddy on Trial: As It Happenedโ will be available for streaming on Hulu every Sunday through the conclusion of the trial.
Although this second Wesley Chapel location (at 5478 Post Oak Blvd., off Wesley Chapel Blvd.) has been open for more than six months, Jimmy Johnโs hosted a North Tampa Bay Chamber ribbon-cutting event on May 20 to introduce Chamber members to this location, the sandwich chainโs โFreaky Fastโ service and, of course, new โFreaky Freshโ toasted sandwich items like the chicken bacon ranch, Ultimate Italian and roast beef & cheddar subs.
Jimmy Johnโs franchise owner Eric Edmonds said he was โexcited to engage with the local communityโ at his location and he told the Chamber members in attendance that he is planning to open some additional Jimmy Johnโs locations, including one at nearby St. Leo University.
Of course, Ericโs Jimmy Johnโs is one of more than 2,600 nationwide (including 140+ in Florida). The Jimmy Johnโs parent company was purchased in 2019 by Atlanta-based Inspire Brands, which also owns Arbyโs, Sonic and Buffalo Wild Wings.
For more info, call (813) 991-7700 or visit JimmyJohns.com. โ GNย
Hangliter Residential is a true family-run business that includes (l.-r.) owner Ken Hangliter, his daughter & office manager Stephanie and his son & VP Jordan. Mascot Mishi is always smiling. (Photo by Charmaine George)ย
The Hangliter family has been in the remodeling business for four generations.
When Ken Hangliter came to Florida from the Washington, D.C./Maryland area to help his dad with a construction job at Macdill Air Force Base eight years ago, he decided he wanted to stay.
So, Ken bought a home in Wesley Chapel and officially opened Hangliter Residential, LLC, in the Tampa Bay area.
Kenโs not the only Hangliter who came for a visit and decided not to go back to the cold Maryland winters. His son, Jordan, came down four years ago and decided to leave his business back home to join his dad here in the Sunshine State.
โIโve been working with my dad since I was 12 years old,โ Jordan says. โAs a family-owned business, we promise better quality, better customer service, and a better overall experience.โ
Jordan says when you call Hangliter for a remodeling job or to repair or restore something in your home, either he or his dad will come out to your house to provide a free estimate. Then, if you choose to hire Hangliter, theyโll return together to complete the work.
If you want to modernize your bathroom, too, call the Hangliters! (Photos provided by Hangliter Residential)ย
โWe know itโs a nightmare for people to let strangers into their house,โ Jordan says. โSo we are careful to treat you like we would treat our grandmother if we went to her house. Weโre at a clientโs home every day, all day, so we get to know each other. Itโs a personal experience.โ
The Hangliters are Florida-licensed contractors specializing in kitchen and bathroom remodeling, but they do all types of residential work. They have decades of experience in home remodeling, repairs and restoration.
They have experience with โjust about everything, A to Z,โ says Jordan.
โWith the exception of projects that require heavy new electrical or plumbing installation, we can usually do it all,โ he explains. โNo need to work with five different contractors, like electricians or plumbers. We do everything ourselves, and we donโt sub out our work out to anyone else.โ
Beyond kitchen and bathroom work, the Hangliters can install custom windows, doors and flooring, repair lighting, HVACs and plumbing โ and much more.
Jordan emphasizes that regardless of the size of the project, it never hurts to contact Hangliter Residential. You might just hear of options โ and pricing estimates โ that competitors wonโt offer.
โWeโve definitely heard from customers with projects in which the big companies offer expensive estimates or flat out just say no,โ Jordan says. โBut we are comfortable with undertaking non-conventional solutions that other companies wonโt even consider.โ
Jordan says that among the most popular jobs they have been busy doing are bathroom makeovers, including updating bathrooms in older homes, converting tubs and Jacuzzis into walk-in showers, and installing custom bathroom tile from floor to ceiling.
Customers Are Raving!
Tim and Lynn are Land OโLakes residents who recently hired Hangliter Residential to update an older bathroom in their home. โIt was a great overall experience,โ says Tim. โYou canโt go wrong with these guys. They were so personable and a pleasure to be around, and most important is that the work was fantastic.โ
Tim found the Hangliters after asking for a recommendation in an online neighborhood forum and that Ken was recommendedย by several people. He couldnโt have been more happy with his decision to hire the Hangliters.ย
โThey are a super father-and-son duo,โ Tim says. โThey were knowledgeable and professional. They were very punctual and always did exactly what they said they were going to do. What more could you ask for?โ
David and Debbie are another couple who hired Hangliter Residential when they needed an extensive door and window repair in their home.
โHangliter Residential LLC saved us over $15,000,โ says David. โKen did an amazing job on the remodel and restoration of our 50+-year-old Colonial-style home! We had an estimate from another company to replace eight windows and three exterior doors for over $34,000, due to rotten wood damage from to the wet Florida weather. Ken looked at all of the windows and assured me that he could REPAIR them all, and that a complete replacement would be a huge waste of money!โ
He adds, โKen told us that his repair would preserve the original, classic look of our home. Our final cost came to less than half of our original estimate plus, he did three extra windows! Ken did an absolutely incredible job and the results have far exceeded my high expectations.โ
Hangliter Residential LLC is offering 10 percent off any full kitchen or bath remodel to readers of Neighborhood News who mention this story or the ad below. To schedule a free estimate, call (813) 460-4548 today.ย
Lots of new restaurants are beginning to build and/or are getting ready to open in and around the Wesley Chapel area and we have updates on many of them in this issue. On this page alone, weโll tell you about the delayed (but finally happening) Grand Opening of the new Rodizio Grill, the first-ever brick-&-mortar location of Pastelitos Papichyโs, as well as the beginning of construction of both The Cheesecake Factory and Swig soda shop.
Rodizio Grill
Clearly, the opening of the Wesley Chapel areaโs first-ever Brazilian steakhouse is big news for our community, as the announcement on our โNeighborhood Newsโ Facebook page that the opening of Rodizio Grill (2802 Grand Cypress Dr., Lutz, behind Costco and in front of Kohlโs by the Tampa Premium Outlets) was delayed from its originally announced opening date of May 28 to Tuesday, June 10, was viewed (at our press time) by a record-breaking (for us) 327,816 people, with more than 1,000 likes and 109 shares! Weโve had a couple of previous posts that reached more than 200,000 people, but this post โ without being boosted โ has far surpassed our previous record. In other words, you can expect big crowds at Rodizio Grill as this issue is reaching your mailbox. In the meantime, we have a sneak peek first look inside this beautiful, new restaurant (top photo) on this page. We wish franchisee Charlie Haney and his crew lots of luck.ย
For reservations & more info, call (813) 996-3880, visit Rodizio.com or search โRodizio Grill – Wesley Chapelโ on Facebook.ย
Pastelitos Papichyโs
Although the Venezuelan food truck Pastelitos Papichyโs (above left) has been stationed near the LA Fitness and Five Guys Burgers & Fries (just south of County Line Rd.& west of Bruce B. Downs Blvd. in New Tampa) a for some time, a sign recently went up at the Grand Oaks Plaza on the under-construction Wesley Chapel Blvd. in Lutz (above right) announcing that Papichyโs will be opening its first-ever brick-&-mortar location in the space previously occupied by the also-Venezuelan Arepa Mia, which sadly closed at the end of 2024.ย
We havenโt yet been able to speak to anyone who could tell us when the new Papichyโs is expected to open, but you can expect a similar selection of Venezuelan-style empanadas, pastelitos (similar to empanadas, but round wheat dough filled with sweet guava or savory meats and cheeses), tequeรฑos (fried cheese) and more.
For more info, call (813) 576-9970.
The Cheesecake Factory
If our post about Rodizio Grill is record-setting, thereโs little doubt that if weโre able to break the story of when The Cheesecake Factory will finally open in the parking lot at the Tampa Premium Outlets, that post could double or even quadruple the traffic Rodizio Grill has generated.
But, while some rumors had Cheesecake Factory opening before the end of this year, that seems pretty ambitious, considering that the area that will one day be home to the full-service restaurant chain and cheesecake bakery (which currently has more than 200 U.S. locations) has only recently been fenced off near the mallโs main entrance. There is some heavy equipment on the site, but the parking lot hasnโt yet been leveled so that the restaurant can actually go vertical.
Swig
This rapidly-growing drive-through โdirty sodaโ chain featuring seasonal favorites and concoct-your-own sodas, revivers and refreshers, as well as frozen hot chocolate, sugar cookies and pretzel bites, is starting to go vertical just east of PopStroke and west of Academy Sports + Outdoors (photo above), across from the outlet mall.ย
Wesley Chapel/Lutz will be only the third Florida location for Swig, a Utah-based company which currently has more than 100 locations in 14 states, with agreements for 500 franchise units and plans for more corporate-owned stores. For more info, visit SwigDrinks.com.
